In the November 3rd, 2009 election, Washington voters approved Referendum 71 and rejected Initiative 1033, two ballot measures on which the state’s bishops had taken positions. Prior to the election, the bishops released statements to help Catholics form their consciences on the two ballot measures.

The Washington State Catholic Conference regrets the passage of Referendum 71, which may be a step toward redefining the institution of marriage.

Voters’ approval of Referendum 71 allows Senate Bill (SB) 5688, which was passed by the 2009 Legislature, to go into effect. SB 5688, commonly known as the “everything but marriage” law, grants all of the rights of marriage to same-sex couples in Washington State. The bishops of Washington State opposed SB 5688 and opposed Referendum 71, because its legislative sponsors specifically stated that the law is part of a strategy to legalize same-sex marriage. While upholding the dignity of each individual person and opposing unjust discrimination, the Catholic Church is steadfast in its teaching that marriage is a union of one man and one woman. Click here for a Q&A statement on R-71.

The Washington State Catholic Conference welcomes the defeat of Initiative 1033 and is pleased that Washington voters recognized the importance of continuing to support essential services for the poor and vulnerable with their taxes.

Initiative 1033 would have limited the growth of certain state, county and city taxes to inflation and population growth. Revenues collected above the limit would be used to reduce property tax levies. While understanding that state and local taxes are burdensome to many, especially during tough economic times, the bishops of Washington State opposed Initiative 1033, reasoning that its passage could result in significant cuts in funding for education, public safety, health care and services for the homeless and vulnerable. The bishops noted that “we must always balance individual rights and the common good.”  Click here for a Q&A statement on I-1033.